What makes Larry's Lair special?
Larry's Lair is known as a true navigation challenge for divers who want more than the standard routes. This is one of the few spots on Bonaire without a yellow buoy, which means you must rely entirely on your compass skills and underwater navigation. The reward is great: a varied sandy bottom with reef structures where stingrays regularly pass by and turtles graze among the corals.
Access to this dive site requires caution due to the sharp rocks along the coastline, but once underwater, a rich underwater world is waiting for you. It's especially the combination of sandy bottom and coral formations that creates a great diversity of marine life, from small reef fish to larger predators like barracudas.
This spot attracts divers looking for a more adventurous diving experience. You need good navigation skills and experience with shore diving, but get access to a part of the reef that's less visited than the popular buoy sites.
Location and access
Larry's Lair is located on Bonaire's west coast, where the coastline is characterized by ironshore and sharp rocks. Since there's no yellow buoy, you look for an entry point between the rocks where you can safely enter the water. The presence of reef structures just below the surface and a sandy bottom behind it forms the landmark for this dive location. Park your car along the coastal road and find a stable entry between the rocks. Dive booties are not just recommended here but essential for safe access.
Underwater
Marine life
Larry's Lair is one of the most reliable spots on Bonaire to spot stingrays. They glide elegantly over the sandy bottom searching for shellfish and worms they dig up from the sand.
Hawksbill turtles and green sea turtles use this area to forage on seagrass and sponges. They're often calmly feeding and let divers come close.
Solitary large barracudas patrol above the sand flats and around the coral heads. They hunt smaller fish and are often curious about divers.
Perfectly camouflaged among the coral blocks and rocks, scorpionfish wait motionlessly for passing prey. Their camouflage is so good you often only notice them when they move.
Night diving
Larry's Lair is well-suited for night diving, provided you can handle the navigation challenge in the dark. At night, octopus actively hunt above the sandy bottom, and you often see lobsters and crabs that hide during the day. The coral polyps open at night, making the reef look completely different.
Due to the lack of a yellow buoy as a reference point, night diving here is only recommended for very experienced divers with good navigation skills. Always use a compass and plan your route carefully before entering the water.
Good to know
- Nature fee ($40) is mandatory for all divers and snorkelers on Bonaire
- Dive booties are essential due to the sharp rocks at the entry
- Bring a surface marker buoy for safety when returning
- PADI Underwater Navigator training is strongly recommended for this site
- Preferably dive in calm weather for safer access over the rocks
- For your first visit, go with a local guide or experienced diver
- Practice your compass skills before visiting this challenging navigation site
